Love & Loyalty by Tere Michaels Page B

Jim said, kicking the sheets around until they were the way he liked them—and realized that he hadn't shared a bed since Matt in New York.
    “God, real jobs are horrifyingly early.”

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    Jim considered telling him that usually he slept for two hours, went to the gym, and was at his desk by six a.m., but he didn't.
    “Yeah, what can I tell you? But, uh…you don't have to get up that early.
    You can sleep, hang out. Whatever.”
    Jim rolled over to face Griffin, who was still half sitting up, a surprised expression on his face.
    “Wow—thanks. I was joking before…”
    “Well, I'm not joking now. Just sleep in, do whatever you want. We can, uh…have lunch if you're still around.”
    It's just polite. Payback for the dinner . At least that's what Jim attempted to tell himself.
    “Okay, sure. Thanks.” Griffin finally settled down under the covers, watching Jim as he pulled the covers up to his neck. “So you know, this is like that weird moment when you drop someone off at the end of the night and aren't sure if you should kiss them…”
    “We're a little bit past that point.”
    “Yeah, clearly. I haven't ever dropped anyone off at their front door naked.”
    “Good to know, good to know.”
    They were close enough to kiss, and Jim thought that might be a nice idea actually. He thought about Griffin's move on the street after dinner and smiled, rolling closer as he snaked his arm around Griffin under the covers, pulling their bodies flush.
    “I had a very nice evening; thank you so much for dinner,” Jim said politely.
    Griffin snickered. “You're so welcome, Jim. I hope I can call on you again.” Jim lifted his head and angled his mouth against Griffin's.

    * * * * *

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    Eventually Griffin drifted off, facedown on the pillow and snoring lightly.
    Jim listened to the sounds, felt the warmth of another person beside him, and watched the lazy circles of the ceiling fan move shadows over the walls.
    When the day started, he'd dreaded the outcome. He had no expectations, let alone expectations of going to sleep next to someone like Griffin.
    He could still taste the kisses on his lips, the chocolate…
    He drifted off before he could remember that he never fell asleep this early or this easily.

    * * * * *
When the alarm beeped at seven, Jim's eyes shot open, his heart racing.
    He sat up and glanced at the red numbers, wondering for a moment if it was a dream. He didn't remember setting it for so late; he was usually at his desk already…
    “Sorry,” a voice mumbled sleepily next to him. “Got up to pee around four and realized you hadn't set it, so…hope seven is okay.” Griffin. Jim took a deep breath and nodded, clearing his throat. “No, thanks. I completely forgot.”
    “Yeah, you were out.” Griffin snuffled at the pillow, then smiled up myopically in Jim's direction. “You want me to make coffee or something?”
    “No, no, go back to sleep. I'm gonna grab a shower and get out of here. I'll call you later.” Jim's heart still thudded in his chest as he swung his legs over the side of the bed.
    “Cool.” Griffin rolled back over, taking the bulk of the comforter with him.
    Jim stumbled downstairs and straight to the shower.

    * * * * *
There was some vague soul-searching as Jim looked up at the showerhead, mostly involving the ease of this “date.” Jim presumed that was because of Griffin and his easygoing nature and charm. Hell, if all the guys he Love & Loyalty
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    met were like Griffin, he'd be okay with the idea of dinner and sex and waking up and second dates.
    All guys, however, were not like Griffin, or at least Jim was bad at meeting them.
    Eventually the water turned cool and Jim hustled out. He was starting to actually consider the possibility of being “late”—and that never happened.
    Clicking into high gear, Jim skipped shaving, brushed his teeth, and raced back upstairs to grab a suit. He was halfway down the stairs when he realized